Cantonal Doctors President Hauri on the corona situation: do we have enough hospital beds in case of emergency?

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Corona is creeping up again, new variants are emerging. The federal government therefore recommends that people at risk receive a booster vaccination in the autumn. But this no longer happens in vaccination centers, but in doctors’ practices and pharmacies. The canton’s top doctor Rudolf Hauri (63) explains in a Blick interview who wants the next kick and why he always has a mask with him.

Blick: Mr. Hauri, the coronavirus is spreading again. Do we have to worry?
Rudolf Hauri: We always assumed that virus activity would increase again in the colder seasons. This applies to both the coronavirus and other respiratory diseases. There is currently no cause for concern. But we must respect Corona, as serious consequences are still possible for people at risk.

The Omicron variant XBB currently dominates in Switzerland. Now new variants such as Eris and Pirola are coming our way, which the WHO labels as “concerning”. Will it still be dangerous for us?
I need to put this in perspective: if a variant is considered “of concern” and is under observation, this is an epidemiological working term. This means: We are interested in the variant because it has some potential to spread more widely. The scientific advisory council currently assumes that these variants will also occur more often in Switzerland in the future. But that does not mean that it has to be worrying for the population.

Will you make everything clear?
It is still difficult to estimate how the situation will develop in the autumn. Based on the wastewater analyses, we expect an increase in the number of corona cases. We also see an increase every now and then in hospitals. However, the situation is manageable and will likely remain so.

Do we have enough hospital beds in case of an emergency?
There will certainly no longer be a state of emergency due to Corona. If there is a shortage of beds, it is only because there are not enough nursing staff. The beds themselves are not the problem.

The situation therefore remains manageable. Is a vaccination necessary at all?
We recommend booster vaccination for vulnerable groups of people who are still at greater risk of a serious course of the corona disease. While collective protection was central during the Corona pandemic, individual protection is now central. Everyone must decide for themselves whether they want to be vaccinated.

The vaccination advice applies across the board to all seniors aged 65 and over, many of whom are still full of juice.
I would like to treat them to that too! Statistically, after a certain age the immune system becomes more vulnerable and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases increase significantly. Anyone who feels healthy can opt out of a vaccination. But he must also be willing to bear the risk that comes with it.

There are now studies showing that the booster did not do much good.
If your immune system is functioning, you won’t gain much from the booster. In the risk groups, even with a vaccination you are not immune to disease and a mild course. However, the vaccines provide extra protection against serious diseases. If you already have poor health, this is crucial!

The federal government expects roughly 1 to 1.5 million vaccinations. Are the cantons prepared for this?
I expect slightly fewer vaccinations. These are now carried out in normal structures – i.e. doctors’ surgeries and pharmacies – and can be easily managed. The corona vaccination is now comparable to a flu vaccination. Only vaccine logistics are still carried out by the federal government and cantons.

Shouldn’t healthcare and nursing staff also be vaccinated to protect patients?
That must be decided by the employer. To protect patients, wearing masks is now more important than vaccinating healthcare workers, as vaccination itself does not prevent virus transmission.

With the Corona autumn, the cantonal spirit is also making itself felt: the city of Zurich is again offering free tests and the canton of Basel-Stadt wants to financially support vaccinations. Is there a threat of a patchwork quilt again?
From an epidemiological perspective, a uniform approach would certainly be welcome. But we are no longer in an exceptional situation. Certain differences between cantons are simply part of federalism. That is manageable. The differences do not bother me, even as the best doctor in the canton.

And when will the first canton make wearing masks mandatory again?
I don’t think there will be a blanket mask requirement again. Neither cantonal nor national. But if you want to protect yourself, you should wear a mask. I expressly welcome that. And I appeal to those who do not wear masks to be tolerant of those who want to take personal responsibility in this way.

Are you wearing a face mask again?
I always have a mask with me, but rarely need it. However, I reserve the right to use them at any time – not only because of Corona, but also because of other viruses.

Source:Blick